Label: Independent
It’s time to jump back into the music time machine with Intóxicos and their 2019 release End Times.
I think the premise of this album is to send a message about how the “end times” are right around the corner because of all the subject matter in the track titles. In some cases, their music may not reflect the seriousness of the subject matter.
“Disaster” gets things rolling on this serious topic. Being that surf instro music is so much fun, I was not sure how this would sound. I can say right from the start, I never heard disaster sound so good!
“Poison Wave” has a great melodic riff and a 60s-swinging swagger. Excellent transitions featuring standout musicianship create the right atmosphere.
“Pacific Trash Vortex” has a lot going on and many changes throughout. Toe-tapping rhythms, with exceptional bass and drums backing the twangy with reverberating tones flying off the guitar, answer the call of the oceans.
“Last Refugees” has an island feel to it, and the guitars’ flourishes get you sitting under a palm tree on the beach, sipping that tropical drink as the sun bounces off the waves and surfboards. The sounds are hypnotic. Suddenly, it changes dramatically to a reggae beat, sounding like an entirely different track. It’s a brief burst, then back to the piercing guitar lines to finish.
“Invasion pt. 2” jumps right into a sci-fi movie. The music’s pace is significantly faster on this track. And because of that, it’s like imagining running away from the invaders. Weird emanations come from your speakers as the band sweeps you away once again into their world.
“Paradise Simulation” is something they excel at in their music. That is the idea of any good music: creating a scenario in your mind’s eye, a feeling of being there in an imaginary world. The bass and drums are superb once again as the six-string’s transitory nature unfolds.
“Keep Out” is a warning, but do we really want that? This music is so good! The tremolo sounds are strong here. This one really takes off, giving you a slice of their own trademark traditional surf instrumental sound. Very well done!
“Nuclear Alarm” begins with just that, the sound of an oncoming raid. That is something we never want to hear, and I think that’s the point. The tempo indicates a bit of chaos, then there is a big change about three-quarters in, with the tempo slowing down and some very nice guitar lines, then it finishes with a bang, no pun intended!
“Cyberattack” continues at a frenetic pace, like the quickness and purpose of such an attack; it’s decisive and damaging. There are a few points where they slow down, but they end on a high note.
“End Times” begins in a different territory, creating a somber tone and palette. The use of the organ is essential here as the guitar slows things down so you can absorb what this all means. The guitar sounds like bluesy surf, once again making sure it matches the tracks’ implications. Freaky synths enter the atmosphere, and the grand finale is that mushroom cloud entering the sky with a sonic boom. It is the longest track at 3:50 and one of the best.
End Times is a sonically tasty achievement by Intóxicos, proving that surf instrumental music can tackle weighty themes without sacrificing its raw energy and melodic joy. By weaving apocalyptic subject matter through reverb-drenched guitars and driving rhythms, they’ve expanded what the genre can express—showing that twang and tremolo can carry messages as urgent as any lyrics.
This album doesn’t just paint pictures; it redefines the canvas of what surf instro can be.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder
February 11, 2026
Tracks:
01. Disaster 2:28
02. Poison Wave 2:14
03. Pacific Trash Vortex 3:13
04. Last Refugees 3:25
05. Invasion pt. 2 2:17
06. Paradise Simulation 2:36
07. Keep Out 2:30
08. Nuclear Alarm 2:15
09. Cyberattack 2:13
10. End Times 3:50
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